Posted on 05/12/2024 1:02:33 PM PDT by Morgana
Actress and stuntwoman Susan Backlinie, perhaps best known as the first shark attack victim in 'Jaws,' has died.
Backlinie, 77, died at her home in Ventura, California, her booking agent Matthew Templeton confirmed. No cause of death has been determined.
In addition to her career on the silver screen, Backlinie was a nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver.
Before she was brought onto 'Jaws' at 28 years old, she had worked as an animal trainer and performed as a mermaid.
She played Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg's iconic 1975 film and spent three days rehearsing the opening scene, in which she is thrashed around by a great white before vanishing beneath the waves.
She later appeared in Spielberg's '1941' to parody the scene that launched her into stardom. This time, instead of being eaten by a shark, she is picked up by a Japanese submarine.
Some of her other credits include 'Two-Minute Warning,' The Great Muppet Caper,' 'Day of the Animals' and the television series 'The Fall Guy.'
'It is with heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved Susan passed away this morning,' Templeton said in a statement to The Daily Jaws, a fan site dedicated to the film.
'We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.'
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
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😂😂👍🏻🦈
Sometime in the mid 1970’s, I bought a Heathkit Color TV, after two years, I called a local TV repairman. He came and took the partially assembled unit to use for parts in his business!
There’s that word again.
“Star” has to be the most misused word in journalism. Everyone who appeared in a show or movie, is not a star.
If she was a star, she wouldn’t have been the first one killed off. “Stars get better parts than that. Simple.
Rest In Peace, Susan.
Thread Runner Up!
(just saw the beauty shot of Susan Backline above this.)
Agreed.
Given the movie, better “in peace” than “in *pieces*” ...
Ned Beatty on 20mm anti-aircraft gun: Just kiss it. It rolls easy!
I was 25 when the film came out. I haven't set foot in the ocean since then and, I too, used to swim out way beyond the breakers.
And casting Christopher Lee as a Nazi... He fought in the RAF in North Africa and Italy, as well as hunted down Nazi’s after the war. I’m sure he and Spielberg laughed at that inside joke.
I had an HZ100, loved Heathkit.
40mm bofors, but people like Ned’s character built the weapons that won the war. Robert Stack had it right as the General.
She was also in the poster
He made a convincing Nazi because his life depended on convincing Nazis.
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